Connection Prompted Career Change to Oncology for Heather Dains, FNP-BC
Heather Dains, FNP-BC, was a few years into her practice as a family nurse practitioner in a rural health clinic when an opportunity was presented to work with cancer patients.
“When I was introduced to hematology/oncology, I immediately felt a connection to the patients in this specialty and knew I had found where I was always meant to be in my career,” she said.
Heather is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with MidAmerica Cancer Care seeing patients at Bates County Memorial Hospital on Mondays and Fridays, providing Hematology/Oncology care in collaboration with Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Oncologist. They treat a multitude of conditions from cancers to blood disorders, such as anemia.
“I chose to pursue oncology because this field is continuously evolving, and it’s rewarding to see the advances in cancer treatments lead to positive outcomes for patients,” Heather said. “I have the opportunity to work with the same patients continually, truly getting to know each one and establishing the rapport that is necessary throughout each cancer journey.”
Heather oversees treatment when patients come in for chemotherapy or immunotherapy infusions, which are offered at BCMH Outpatient Specialty Clinics. She provides education and support to patients, prior to and throughout treatment. She monitors their labs and other diagnostic tests, manages symptoms, and coordinates patient care.
“It is my goal to develop a trusting relationship with each one of my patients, and to advocate for them during a particularly vulnerable and challenging time in their lives,” Heather said.
